PS35n3 
.A79 
P5 
1899 


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THE  UBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF 

NORTH  CAROLINA 

AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


ENDOWED  BY  THE 

DIALECTIC  AND  PHILANTHROPIC 

SOCIETIES 


PS3503 
.A79 
P6 
1899 


This  book  is  due  at  the  WALTER  R.  DAVIS  LIBRARY  on 
the  last  date  stamped  under  "Date  Due."  If  not  on  hold  it 
may  be  renewed  by  bringing  it  to  the  library. 

^^^^                           RET 
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ArR  0  2 

2003 

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(J)oem0* 


y? 


CORA   C.    BASS. 

[Haki.ey  Vane.] 


LOWELL,   MASS. 

Lawi.kk  &  Co.,  Printers,  36  Central  Street. 

1899. 


Copyright  by 

CORA    C.    BASS. 

1899. 


PREFACE, 


Thanks  are  due  to  The  Neiv  York  Observer,  The 
Churchman,  Zion's  Herald,  Christian  Register,  The 
Standard,  Outing,  Boston  Traiiscript,  Portland  Tran- 
script, The  New  England  Home  Magazine^  and 
others,  for  permission  to  re-print  poems  of  mine  that 
have  appeared  in  their  columns. 

CORA    C    BASS. 


-'6 


,,A^ 


CONTENTS, 


The  Sweetest  Songrs 7 

Unbidden  Guests 9 

Sea  and  Cliff 10 

The  March  of  Time 11 

A  Gift 12 

Would  We  Dwell  on  the  Mountain  Heig-ht  ? 14 

Chill  not  the  Heart  that  Trusts  Thee 15 

He  Lies  in  State 16 

Hope-On-River 17 

At  Sea 18 

Mirth 19 

Flora 20 

Where  Passaconawaj'  Was  Wont  to  Stand  21 

Spring- 22 

Kearsarg-e 23 

Dead  on  the  Field  of  Battle 24 

Listen,  Comrades 28 

Memorial  Poem 33 

Arise,  My  Soul 37 

A  Hymn  of  Praise 38 

Bright  as  the  Sunshine  After  Showers 40 

Bunker  Hill 41 

Rising  Tide 43 

The  Glorious  Fourth 44 

The  Lord  will  Provide 47 

Joy 49 

The  Missing  Path 50 

Life 51 

Another  Day 52 

The  Future 53 


Do  Not  Say  That  the  World  is  Cold 54 

A  Song-  to  the  Zephyr 56 

Laug-h  and  be  Happy 58 

Spare  the  Trees 59 

Thoug-hts  of  You 60 

True,  Ah,  True,  the  Roses  Fall 62 

Laug-h  On 64 

The  Worker  Bee 65 

The  Comforter 66 

The  Clouds  Cannot  Last  Forever 67 

The  Heart  That  is  Hard  to  Win 68 

Sleep,  Minstrel,  Sleep b^ 

The  Storm 7(» 

"Mid  Eternal  Snow 71 

Our  Dear  Ones 72 

Even-Tide 74 

Press  On  I  . 75 


Vntms* 


THE   SWEETEST  SONGS. 

The  sweetest  song's  are  left  unsung-, 

The  sweetest  themes  unread, 
The  sweetest  chords  are  left  unstrung-. 

The  sweetest  words  unsaid. 
How  strange  it  is,  and  yet  how  true, 

Surpassing-  mortal  ken, 
We  still  can  catch  a  blessed  view 

Of  thought  and  times  and  men. 

Though  brightest  paths  remain  unknown, 

And  few  the  heights  we  tread. 
Though  we  must  struggle  on  alone 

With  deepest  tears  unshed; 
Although  our  hearts  are  anguish  wrung 

And  ev'ry  effort  pain. 
If  we  can  keep  another  young, 

We  have  not  lived  in  vain. 


'Tis  said  the  fairest  buds  decay; 

Periiaps  they  do,  and  yet, 
Upon  the  darkest,  dullest  way 

How  many  flowers  are  met. 
The  happy  hours  so  quickly  flee 

We  sig"h  to  see  them  g-o, 
When  out  upon  life's  troubled  sea 

The  moments  move  so  slow. 

Shall  sweetest  song's  be  left  unsung? 

The  sweetest  themes  unread? 
The  sweetest  chords  be  left  unstrung-'; 

The  sweetest  words  unsaid? 
When  we  have  but  to  do  our  best, 

The  very  best  we  can. 
To  have  the  future  richly  blest 

Of  God  and  truth  and  man. 


(  WBIDDEX    G I  ES  TS. 

Good  thoug-hts  are  like  the  violet  demure  — 
So  sweet,  so  pure; 
They  ope  their  happy  eyes 
'Neath  storm}-  skies, 

Calm  and  secure. 

As  g-uests  unbidden  though  perchance  they  come, 

They  make  the  dumb. 
Pale  silence  blitheh^  ring- 
And  sad  lips  sing 

Most  frolicsome. 


10 


SEA    .A XI)    CLIFF. 

The  lurid  breakers  tlash   in  rifts  of  white 

Upon  the  reef,   rebounding-  to  the  sky, 

And  yet  by  yonder  point  tlie  trembling-  surf 

In  distance  dies  ;    as  darkness  coils  around 

Our  rug-g-ed   patli   we  pause,   each  nerve  alert. 

How  g-rand  the  march  majestic  of  the  nig-ht 

Amid  the  rag-ing'-  tempest's  grim  display 

Of  rain  and  hail  and  that  too  vivid  flash 

Which  makes  the  inky  blackness  more  intense  I 

But  now  the  pall   is  riven  and  behold! 

The  beauteous  sun,    whose  rich,   prismatic  g-low 

Illumes  a  jewelled  curtain,   poised  thereon 

A  rainbow  plumed  for  flig^ht,  while  earth  lies  wrapped 

In  g-olden  g-lory.      Manj^  a  sail  full  set 

Is  homeward  speeding-,   bearing'-  happy  hearts 

To  where  love  anxious   waits  and  eag-er  eyes 

Will  sweetest  welcome  g-ive.      O,   World  rejoice  I 

Confronted  by  the  swift  incoming-  tide, 

With  hurried  step  we  scale  the  dizz^'  cliff, 

Delivered  by  the  one  all-potent  hand, 

That  ever  waits  to  still  life's  sternest  storms. 


11 


THE   MARCH    OF    TIME. 

Steadily  marching",   swift  or  slow, 
Moments  and  months  and  days  they  g-o. 
Moments  and  months  and  days  and  years 
Laden   with   hope  and  love  and  tears. 

Laden  with  hope  that  cheered  the  way 
When  earth  lay   wrapped  in  twilig-ht  g"ray 
In  twilig-ht  J^ra}',   till   shining-  throug-h 
The  fair,   sweet  promise  g-rew  and  g-rew. 

P^air,   sweet  promise  of  joy,  of  bliss, 

We  should  not.   could  not,    would  not.    miss 

Of  bliss  so  perfect,   bliss  so  true. 

We  fain  would  keep  that  bliss  in  view. 

Steadily  marching-,   swift  or  slow, 
Moments  and  months  and  da^'s  they  g^o, 
Moments  and  months  and  days  and  years. 
And  then — eternit}^  appears. 


12 


.^    GIFT. 

It  was  g-iven  him  in  youth, 

Bestowed  by  a  king-ly  hand  ; 
Sweet  as  the  flower  of  truth, 

When  its  first  fair  buds  expand. 
It  was  g-iven  him  to  prize. 

To  g-uard  with  a  jealous  care  ; 
This  gift  in  a  humble  guise 

But  precious  beyond  compare. 

It  was  g-iven  him — he  turned 

From  promise  so  close  concealed, 
Althoug-h  in  his  soul  he  yearned 

To  follow  the  unrevealed. 
He  turned  from  a  gift  which  came 

In  the  flush  of  boyhood  days, 
It  clung-  to  him  just  tlie  same 

As  he  trod  the  world's  wild  maze. 

It  was  given  hiin — it  slept. 
But  would  not  be  cast  aside : 

Till  into  his  heart  it  crept 

A-quiver  with  love  and  pride. 


13 


Yes,   into  his  heart  it  crept. 

He  worked  with  a  new-born  skill 
And   whether  he  laughed  or  wept 

He  worked  with  a  steadfast  will. 

It  was  g-iven  him—  he  caught 

It  close  to  his  heaving  breast 
And  a  miracle  was  wrought. 

For  a  genius  stood  confessed. 
The  gift  which  he  held  the  least 

Was  the  gift  the  Lord  had  sent ; 
Lo,   the  angel   at  the  feast 

He  had  misnamed,   discontent. 


14 


WOriA)    WK   DWELL    ON    THE    I\fOrN LAIN 
HEIGHT? 

Would   we  dwell  on  the  mountain  heijj-ht 
Whence  the  world  is  lovely   and  brig-ht. 
Then  we  must  be  eager  to  climb. 

Ready  and  willing-  to  ])ress 
For  the  noble,   the  true,   the  sublime. 
To  comfort,   to  bless. 

Would  we  stand  like  heroes  of  yore 
When  life's  sternest  conflicts  are  o'er. 
Would   we  stand  triumphant  at  last, 

Or  weep  the  chances  we  miss 
As  the  tide  of  the  battle  sweeps  past  — 
To  conquer  is  bliss. 

Would  we  see  the  foemen  retreat. 
The  foemen  we  dreaded  to  meet. 
Battalions  of  pain,   of  despair:  — 

On  I  it  is  never  too  late  ! 
Let   us  strive  for  a  heritage  fair, 
A  royal  estate. 


15 


CHILL     \()T    THE    HEART    THAT    TRUSTS 
THEE. 

Chill  not  the  heart  that  trusts  thee,   O,    my  soul  I 

Be  brave  to  bear,  to  suffer,   to   forg-ive  ; 
Life's  tempestuous  billows  \vildl3'  roll 
But  love    and  live. 

Chill  not  the  heart  that  trusts  thee,  thoug-h  thine  eyes 

With  tears  are  dim,   and  ev"ry  effort    pain; 
A  day  reveals,   perchance,   this  sad  surprise. 
Eternal  g-ain. 

Chill  not  the  heart  that  trusts  thee,   dark  indeed 

The  way  may  seem,   but  sacred   is  the  trust 
Of  faith,   which  while  it  may  not  stoop  to  plead 
Is  e\er  just. 

Chill  not  the  heart  that  trusts  thee,   cares  defeat 

The  true,  the  g"ood,  the   noble,   who  can  tell? 
Truth's  eag-le  g-lance  may  yet  direct  thy  feet 
And   all  be  well. 

Chill  n(jt  the  heart  that  trusts  thee,   O,   my  soul  I 

Be  brave  to  bear,  to  suff'er — to  forg-ive; 
Life's  tempestuous  billows  wildly  roll 
But  love   and  live. 


16 


HE   LIES   IN   STATE 


Frederic  T.    (rreoilialffr 


He  lies  in  state 
'Neath  nature's  peerless  catafalque  of  snow, 

The   friend    beloved,    the   g"ood,    the   g-rand,   the 

g-reat, 
He  lies  in  state. 

In  silent  state  ; 
Well  may  the  tide  of  feeling-  fuller  flow. 

While  men  upon  his  noble  worth  dilate, 
He  lies  in  state. 

In  silent  state. 
Our  faithful  Governor,   the  fearless  foe 

Of  ev'ry  wrong-.      By   memory's  pearly  g-ate 
He  lies   in  state. 

The  reg-al  state. 
That  only   king-ly  souls  can  come  to  know, 

Which  truth   and  character  alone  create  : 
He  lies  in  state. 


17 


HOPE~ON  RI\'ER, 

Hope-On-River  leads  to  bliss; 
Who  would   such   a  journey  miss  ? 
O'er  the  waters,  limpid,    sweet, 
Floating-  to  the   Saviour's  feet. 

Hope-On-River  is  divine. 
Fairer  than  the   storied   Rhine  ; 
On  its  bosom  homeward  grlide, 
Moving-  with   the  g^entle  tide. 

Hope-On-River  runs  for  all. 
Runs  beyond  the  jasper  wall — 
Runs  to  weary  pilg-rims  bear 
Past  the  portals  of  despair. 

Hope-On-River  ever   flows. 
Purest,  sweetest,  mortal  knows, 
On  its    waters  float  to  rest 
In  the  citv  of  the  blest. 


18 


AT  SEA. 

Afar  the  timid   moonbeams  shyly  creep 
Behind  a  purple  pall  of  clouds  so  drear. 
It  smites  the  captain's  loj^al  heart  with    fear; 

Vainly   would  he  a  keener  vig-il  keep, 

Yet  few  would  dream  the  traitor,  Dang-er,  near. 
Till  throug-h  yon  misty  curtain  clean  and  clear 
And  swift  the  g-leaming-  lights  of  death  appear. 

Twin-born,      Alas  I  men  waken  from  sweet  sleep 

Too  late  to   seek  escape  ;   the  v^essel  thrills 
In  ev'ry  nerve,    an  almost  human  groan 

Wells  from  her  tortured  breast;    she  reels,    she  till: 
A  hundred  anguished  souls  for  mercy  moan — 

But  kindly,    Time,   the  storm  of  terror  stills 
And  meek   Diana  treads  the  night    alone. 


19 


MIR  TH. 

Who  has  not  felt  his  pulses  g"aily  leap 

And  throb  and   burn,  the  feeble  step  g-row  lig-ht 
And  freer  speed  to  scale  life's  fairest  heig-ht 

As  some  sweet  song-,   or  merry  jest  or  deep 

Toned  humorous  note  lulls  lag-g-ing-  care  to  sleep. 
Man  may  be  mirthful  built  and  yet  contrite, 
May  bear  a  buoyant  heart  throug-h  darkest  nig-ht 

Whilst  hope  and  love  their  ang-el  vig-il   keep 
Twin  foes  of  fear  and  g-loom.      Oh,  loyal  soul 

That  dares  to  walk  uprig-ht  with  dauntless  tread  ; 
Amid  the  din  of  battle  and  the  roll 

Of  thunder-g-uns  storm  shattered  o'er  thy  head. 
Press  on,  press  ever  onward,  to  the  g"oal. 

And  round  thee  joy-refulg-ent  freely  shed. 


20 


FLORA. 

In  a  dainty  robe  of  green 

Comes  the  nodding-  daffadilly 

And  the  stately  Easter  lily  ; 

In  the  meadows  cowslips  shimmer. 

Crocuses  with  dewdrops  g-limmer  ; 

April's  smile  and  May's  soft  splendor 

Ling-er  o'er  us  g-entle,  tender  ; 

Fair  forg-et-me-nots  convene 

In  the  most  delig-htful  places  ; 

Mount  and  vale  are  wrapped  in  g-lory. 

Grey  lock  doffs  his  tippet  hoary, 

And  Wachusett  stands  new  crowned 

Thanks  to  Flora,   queen  of  g-races  ; 

Laurel  draped  and  daisy  g-owned. 


21 


UHERE   PASS  A  CON  AWAY    WAS    WO  XT    TO 
STAXD. 

Where  Passaconaway  was  wont  to  stand. 

Piercing-  the  distance  with   intrepid  eye. 

The  teeming-  mills  their  rhythmic  shuttles  ply. 
Many   knelt  subservient  to  the  hand 
Of  that  good  sachem  of  a  noted  band  ; 

But  labor  like  a  chieftain,   leads  us  high. 

To  fairer  fields  where  richer  g-uerdons  lie 
Than  he  aspired  to  win ;  the  bold  demand 
Of  Time  is  met  by  a  triumphant  throng 

Which  presses  onward,    upward,   evermore ; 
And  cities  in  their  children  true  as  strongs 

Live  worthy  the  brave  men  who  marched  before. 
Speeding-  the  hum  of  Industry's  glad  song- 

O'er  heig-hts  the  noble  red  man  trod  of  yore. 


22 


Wooed   by  thy  balmy  breath,    ()   witching-    Spring-. 
The  woodland  nymphs  are  charming-  us  anew, 
And  yon  blue  dome  acquires  a  richer  hue. 

Waked  from  its  winter's  sleep  on  g-auzy   wing. 

The  butterfly  flits  past  no  more  to  cling- 
A  slave  forlorn  to  some  enamored  branch. 
How  joyfully  the  laug-hing-  lilies  launch 

Their  dainty  barques;    they  safe  at  anchor  swing- 
In  many  a  sylvan  nook.      Swift  and  free 

The  swallow  skims  athwart  the  river's  breast 
A  burnished  emblem  of  the  g-lancing-  sea 

Which  ever  g-limmers  in  a  vag-ue  unrest:  — 
An  image  beautiful,   content  to  be 

By  minds  diverse  in  divers  colors  dressed. 


23 


k'HARSARGE. 

Long-  as  th}'  sponsors  stand   in  regal  pride, 

Aurora's  kiss  on  each  benignant  brow, 

Will  men  with  laurel  fair  thy  fame  endow  : 
The  stricken  Alabama  shall  provide 
The  queen  gem  in  thy  priceless  crown  ;   the  tide 

Which  racked  thy  battle-scarred  and  hoary  prow 

Yet  seeks  in  rh\'thm  tender  to  avow 
How  by  Roncador's  will,   alas,  ye  died. 

Columbia  well  thy  deeds  may  deify, 
In  liberty-  immortal  rise,   be  blest. 

While  stars  with  march  majestic,   tread  the  sky. 
Thy  home  behold  in  ever\^  free  man's  breast; 

Piratic  torch   and  Boreas  but  vie 
When  —  lo!  with  charms  sublime  thev  thee  invest. 


24 


DEAD    ON    THE    EIEED    OE    BAJJLE. 


Writiiit  hy  n-</tii-s/.  mid  it\id  at    Hmi/iiigtou    I  full.    Miiiiorial   Erfit- 
iiiff  ScrTices.    j8i)b. 


Dead  on  the  field  of  battle,  the  sacrifice  complete, 

With  none  to  tell  the  story  of  that  last  sublime  re- 
treat. 

The  fearless  rush  to  conquer  and  the  awful  price 
it  cost 

When  riven  lines  were  reeling-  like  a  vessel  tempest 
tossed. 

Dead  on  the  field  of  battle,  the  g-lowing-  words  in- 
spire 

The  courag-e  of  the  hero  as  he  meets  the  foeman's 
fire  ; 

His  bayonet  is  flashing  in  the  thickest  of    the  fig-ht. 

An  invincible  aveng-er  of  liberty  and  rig-ht. 

Dead  on  the    field    of    battle,   away    from   home    and 

friends 
And  dying-  for  the  country  ev'ry  loyal  son  defends. 


25 


The  clash  of  arms  around    him    with    the  battlefield 

his  bier. 
He  gives  his  life  a  ransom  for  the  fiag-  he    holds    so 

dear. 

Dead  on  the   field  of    battle,    untroubled    by    its  roar 
The    willing-    hands    are    quiet    as    they    nev^er    were 

before ; 
The  eager  eyes  are  fading-   and    the    pleasant    smile 

has  flown, 
But  the  record  he  is  leaving-  is  evermore  his  own. 

Dead  on  the  field  of    battle,    we    search    but    search 

in  vain 
To  find  the  missing-  martyr   "mid  the    leg-ions    of  the 

slain  : 
Downtrodden  in  the  conflict  there    is    nothing-  left  to 

show 
The  consecrated  service  of  the  one  who  lies  below. 


Dead    on    the    field    of    battle,    let    patient    mourners 

weep. 
Nor  dream  that  eulogies  alone  can    bless    the  watch 

they  keep ; 


26 


For  sacreii  us  the  hallowed  spot  where  fairest  blos- 
soms bloom, 

And  where  our  starry  banner  waves  above  the  sol- 
diers'   tomb. 

Dead  on  the  fieUl  of  battle,  in  nameless  g-raves  they 
lie. 

A  host  of  g-allant  comrades  "neath  a  tender  south- 
ern sky  : 

And  no  man  knows  the  number,  or  beheld  them  as 
they  fell. 

Or  hopes  to  pierce  the  silence  where  they  now  so 
calmly-  dwell. 

Dead     on     the     field    (.f     battle.— on     PVeedom's    holy 

shrine. 
But  Honor's  hand   shall  point  us  to    their   monument 

divine, 
A  catafalque  of  g^lory  that  abides  above  the  brave. 
This  g-reat  and  g-rowing-  Union    they    so    freely  died 

to  save. 

Dead  on  the  field  of  battle.— the  battlefield  of  life. 
Unmindful  of  its   turmoil    and    the    ceavseless    din    of 
strife : 


27 


ThoLig-h    many    still     may    lintrer    of    the    brave,    the 

tried,   the  true. 
They  all  must  quickly    g-ather    for    the    final    grand 

review. 

Dead  on  the  field  of  battle?  Nay,  living-  heroes 
come 

With  martial  note,  with  banners  furled,  with  sadly 
muffled  drum ; 

We  hear  the  dirg-es  wailing-  past  upon  the  fragrant 
breeze. 

And  know  they  swell  and  sob  and  die,  o'er  thou- 
sands such  as  these. 

Dead  on   the    field    of    battle,    the    bug-le    sweet    and 

clear 
Is  telling  how  they  foug-ht  and    bled,    these    soldiers 

we  revere ;  — 
These  noble    comrades,   honor    crowned,   now  moving- 

on  abreast 
To    love's    eternal    camping    groiuid    and    to    eternal 

rest. 


28 


L  IS  TE\  \    C  X^MRA  J)  KS. 


Written  by  reqitrst  and  rrud   at    Hiiiitiiigton    /fa//,    Mriitor/a/    F.-rrn- 
iiig  Sei-Tices,    iSqj. 


Listen,   comrades,   deep    and  tender    is  the  burden  of 

the  strain. 
Like     a     restful     benediction    to     the     battle     weary 

brain. 
Over   vale    and    wood    and    mountain,    it    shall    echo 

far  and  wide, 
Praising-  those  who  foug-ht  and    conquered,   praising 

those  who  fought  and  died. 

In  the  beauty  of  the    spring-time    with    what  rapture 

we  have   heard 
Thrilling-    notes    of    martial    music    till     the    palsied 

limbs    have    stirred. 
And   we  felt  to   still    be    marching-,   marching-    as   we 

used  to  do. 
With  the  grand  old    iiag    before    us    and  the    victory 

in  view. 


29 


We  were  brothers,  heroes,  comrades,  as  the  charg-ing- 

lines  advanced 
And  the  brilliant  flash  of  weapons  down  the  surg-ing- 

columns  g"lanced  ; 
How    we    struck    for    home    and    country    throug-h    a 

storm    of    shot    and    shell, 
And  as  one  we  foug-ht  and  conquered,    or  as  one  we 

foug:ht  and  fell. 

How  we  struck  for  home  and  country  'mid  the  ardor 
of  the  fray, 

With  our  comrades  falling-  'round  us  and  an  eag-er 
foe  at  ba3^ : 

Oh,  our  willing  hands  were  steady  and  our  willing- 
hearts  were  strong-, 

Thoug-h  the  furloughs  were  so  fleeting  and  the  way 
so  dark  and  long. 

Oh,    our    willing-   hands  were  steady  and  our  hearts 

were  strong  to  win. 
Though  the    way    was    rough    and    rugged    and    the 

serried  ranks  grew  thin  ; 
Though  the    way    was    rough    and    rugged    and    our 

eyes  were  dim  with  pain. 
We  beheld  the  spires  of   Richmond    over    hillocks    of 

the  slain. 


30 


We  beheld  the    spires    of    Richmontl.    with    prophetic 

lig-ht  the}'  shone 
In    the   tranquil    southern    sunshine    as    proclaiming 

her  our  own  : 
Yet  how  solemn   was  the  moment    when    downtrodden 

at  our  feet 
Lay    the    patriot,     the     comrade,     with    hi>  martyr's 

work  complete. 

We  beheld  the  spires  of  Richmond   and  Columbia  at 

peace ; — 
An  eternal    badg-e    of    g"lory    in    the    stricken   slave's 

release. 
Names,     alone,    may    be    forg-otten     in    the    ceaseless 

rush  of  years, 
But  our  deeds    are    doubly    hallowed    by    a    nation's 

smiles  and  tears. 

Will  the  future  hnd  us  ready:  — ready  as  in  sixty- 
one. 

When  we  heard  the  voice  of  freedom  in  the  boom  of 
Sumter's  g-un  ? 

Faith  and  hope  and  love  sustain  us.  e'en  as  when 
.  we  soug"ht  to  stand 

In  the  forefront  of  the  conflict,  the  defenders  of  our 
land. 


From  the  Union  con.stellaiion  ni>t  a    sing-le  star    was 

rent, 
For    the    wealth  of    pride     and    party    in    a    common 

cause  were  blent ; 
And  the  g-raceful  folds  above  ns,   bullet  scarred  and 

blood  embossed 
Are     a    peerless    proclamatit)n    of    the    sacrifice    and 

cost. 

Well  we  know  the  sacred  standard  g-uarding-  ev'ry 
soldier's  g^rave 

Must  remain  what  we  have  made  it.  the  insig-nia  of 
the  brave ; 

Precious,  speaking-  of  the  parti ng-s  that  have  sanc- 
tified the  past, 

Holv — for  the  g-reat  reunion  we  are  looking-  to  at 
last. 

Can  we,  dare  we,  be  despondent,  should  we  hear 
the  midnig-ht  call  ? 

Would  we  shun  the  g-racious  welcome,  with  its  day 
of  rest  for  all  ? 

Nay  I  a  clearer  lig"ht  is  dawning-  when  each  trusting- 
soul  shall    seem 

Like  a  vessel  g-ently  g-liding  homeward,  heaven- 
ward,  with  the  stream. 


32 


Honor's  meed  of  fragrant  blossoms  brig-htly  bloom- 
ing- o'er  the  dead, 

Marks  the  dear,  familiar  pathway  that  their  feet 
were  wont  to  tread  : 

They  are  waiting-,  as  are  many  in  this  world  so 
sweet  and    fair. 

Waiting-,  waiting-,  only  waiting-,  but  the  waiting-  is 
a  prayer. 


33 


MEMORIAJ.    POEM. 


Wn'ttrii  by  rcqitest,  and  mid  at   Mt)iion'al  Even- 
ing  .\rr 7 ■/(•<:•••,    i8qS. 

Sweet    is    the     breath    of    the    spring-time,    when    the 

sound  of  the  bug-le  is  heard, 
Its  soul  thrilling-  pagans  swift  echo  the  clear  ring-ing 

notes  of  a  bird  ; 
And  brig-ht  is  the  face  of    the    hillside   for  summer's 

own  coming   arrayed, 
The    voice    of  the   sing-er    must  falter,    the  beautiful 

flowers  must  fade. 

Precious  and  far  more  enduring-  than    the    blessing-s 

kind  nature  bestows 
Is  Liberty,    firmU^    abiding-,    a  peerless   memorial  of 

those 
Who  turned  from  their  calm  avocations  to  cheerfully' 

hurry  away  ; 
For    a   g-rateful    people    preserving-    the    freedom  we 

cherish  today. 


34 


We  see  them  ;  lo !  here  is  a  father,  a  brother,  a 
lover,   a  friend, 

They  are  marching-,  and  marching-,  and  marching- 
till  their  kindred  forces  blend  ; 

And  boldly  they  strive  to  press  forward,  unawed  by 
the  battle's  dread  din, 

So  ready  to  strug-g-le  and  suffer,  to  strug-g-le  and 
suffer  and  win. 

Steadfast   and    faithful    and    fearless,    though    every 

advantag-e  they  g-ain 
Is  a  leg-acy,  cruel,    of    sorrow    to    the    loved    ones    of 

the   slain. 
Hark  I    to    the    booming    of     cannon,      to    the    shrill 

piercing-    scream    of    a    shell. 
And  yonder  poor    widow    is    weeping-    a  lad  who    at 

Gettysburg-  fell. 

Leaden  hail  raining-  around  him,  at  the  head  of  the 

column  he  stood, 
Determined   if  needs  be  to  die  there  as  only  a  patriot 

could  ; 
And    fig-hting-    as    brave  as    a    lion  ;    ay,   brave    as  a 

lion  at  bay, 
He  shouted    "The  Union  forever!"   and  sank  in  the 

midst  of  the  fray. 


Then  holy,   thrice  holy  the  record,   the  blood  written 

record  of  deeds 
Which  proves,  by  the  fruit  of  his  effort,   the  work  of 

the  martyr  succeeds  ; 
And  fitting-  it  is  that    the    blossoms    should    ev^er    be 

destined  to  shed 
A    shower    of    delicate    perfume    o'er    tlie    hallowed 

g-raves  of  the  dead. 

Blessed    it  is  to  do    homag-e    to  the    men    who    would 

willing-ly  g^ive 
The  promises  fair  of  the  future,  that  we  as  a  nation 

mig-ht  live  : 
And   whether  the}'   fell    in    the    conflict,   or    wounded 

and  weary  returned, 
May  theirs  be  the  g-lorious  tribute    the    true    hearted 

heroes  have  earned. 

Sweet  is  the  voice  of  the  spring-time  when  the  sol- 
diers assemble  as  one 

To  eulog-ize  those  who  have  fallen  in  the  wake  of 
service  well  done  ; 

Many  are  quietly  sleeping-  'neath  the  blush  of  the 
warm  southern  sky, 

But  the  lilies  are  blooming-  above  them  and  the  old 
flag-  floats  on  hig-h. 


36 


They    have    bivouacked    oft    in    the    south-land,    the 

enemy  fully  in  view, 
With  cities  and  armies  to  conquer,   herculean  duties 

to  do ; 
With  the  earth  itself   for  a  pillow,  their    shelter  the 

heaven's  blue  dome, 
But  now    all    too    swiftly    and    surely,   the    comrades 

are  g-athering-  home. 

Into  the  Guardian  Presence  neither  peril  nor  pas- 
sion intrude, 

When  low  at  the  feet  of  the  Saviour  the  fountain  of 
life  is  renewed  ; 

As  long-  as  our  country  shall  prosper,  as  long-  as 
our  banner  shall  wave. 

Sever  the  bonds  of  oppression  as  they  severed  the 
bonds  of  the  slave. 


AR/SE.     M]'    SOrL! 

Arise,   m}'  soul  1  forsake  the  shadows  dreary, 
Where  dark  and  dread  battalions  line  the  way  ; 

The  g-randest  heig-hts  refuse  to  make  us  weary 
When  we  can  strug-g-le  upward  day  by  day. 

Arise,  my  soul !  do  swift  and  valiant  battle. 
Tread   down  the  foe  beneath  thy  steadfast  feet ; 

Fear  not  the  stern  assault,  the  cannon's  rattle, 
A  moment's  failure  makes  the  end  more  sweet. 

Arise,  my  soul  I  lo  I  victory  is  waiting-, 
Be  not  afraid  to  suffer  and  to  dare ; 

Push  boldh'  on,   no  jot  of  streng-th  abating'-, 
The  crown  is  brighter  for  the  cross  we  bear. 

Arise,  my  soul  1  forsake  the  shadows  dreary, 

Thoug-h  dark  and  dread  battalions  line  the  way 

The  g-randest  heig-hts  can  never  make  us  weary 
If  we  but  struggle  upward  day  by  day. 


38 


.^    HYMN    OF  PRAISE. 

O   what  gracious  g"ifts  are  ours,  when  on  every  hand 
Bursting-    buds    and    blushing    flowers    beautify    the 

land  ; 
Till  a  host  of  treasures  lie,   delicate  and  sweet, 
'Neath  the  mantle  of  the    sky,    crushed    b}'    careless 

feet. 

Many  a  floral  gem  is  hid  in  a  casket  g-reen, 
But  a  zephyr  lifts  the  lid  and  its  worth  is  seen; 
Through  the    meadows    broad    and    fair,    violets    de- 
mure 
Scatter  incense  rich  and  rare,   happj-  and  secure. 

As    the    seasons    g-lide    along-,     earth's    a    pleasant 

place, 
Just  a  miracle  of  song-,  typical  of  g-race  : 
Wondrous  visions  charm  the  eye  while    the  moments 

flee. 
Each  a  messag-e  from  on  high  sent  to  you  and  me. 

See    the    swallows,    how    they    roam    in    a    ceaseless 

flight. 
Ever  on  the  wing  for  home  chanting-  their  delight. 


39 


Dare  we  steep  our  raptured  souls  in    external    bliss 
As  life's  mystery  uprolls  from  fate's  dull   abyss? 

Hark  I    the    mag-ic    touch  of  Spring-    wakes    a    tender 

chord, 
O  it  is  a  joy  to  bring-  tribute  to  our  Lord  ; 
Jesus  calls  us  from  despair,  offers   peace   for  strife  ; 
Our's  the  g-ift   of    praise    and   prayer;    His,   eternal 

life. 


40 


BRK^HT    AS     THE     SrNSHIKE    AFTER 
SHOWERS. 

When  the  heart  lies    crushed    'neath    a  load    of    sor- 
row, 

When  life's  broad  river  moves  sad   and  slow  ; 
When  hope  is  lost  in  a  dread   to-morrow, 

Where  all  is  worry  and  weig-ht  and  woe  ; 
When  hands  reject  the  cross  they  carr^^ 

When  feet  would  falter  and  streng-th    would    fail, 
When  better  days  seem  bound  to  tarry  ; 

Eyes  g-row  tearful  and   lips  g-row  pale. 

When  even  the  pleasantest  hours  are  dreary, 

And  each  new  efTort  is  like  despair; 
When  we  are  so  worn  and  weak  and  weary. 

We  fain  would  yield  to  the  cruel  care  ; 
Bright  as  the  sunshine  after  showers. 

The  smile  of  a  friend  illumes  the  way  ; 
Strewing-  the  rug^ged  path  with  flowers, 

Turning-  the  even-tide  to  day. 


41 


THE  BATTLE    OE  Bi'XKER  HILL. 

No  bridg-es  stood  uniting  shore  with  shore 
And  houses,   bounded  by  the  busy  stream 
On  either  hand,   were  few  ;  men  caught   a  gleam 

Of  crippled  Boston,  through  whose  highways  tore 

The  troops ;  embarking,  on  they  swiftly  bore 
'Mid  roaring  cannon  and  the  awful  scream 
Of  shells  ;  poor  puppets  of  a  royal  scheme 

To  King  Taxation's  iron  rule  restore. 

The  honest  sod  recoiled  from  their  hot  tread, 

But  baffled  fury  trod  with  reckless  haste 

Till  hemmed  about  by  their  own  slaughtered  dead 

When  twice  the  dizzy  charge  had  been  retraced  ; 
They  found  no  weakling  foe  was  that  ahead 

And  shivered  at  the  task  which  3'et  they  faced. 

Above    doomed     Charlestown    bombs     were     bursting 
shrill, 
And  flaming  steeples  pierced  the  pitying  sky 
As  eager  feet  kept  marching,  marching  by 
To  where  the  cheer  triumphant  sent  a  thrill 
Athwart  the  loyal  breast  of  Bunker  Hill. 

"Aim  low  and  firel"     Well  might  the  red-coats  fly 
Before  the  *'echo"  of  brave  Prescott's  cry, 


42 


A  cry  that  speared  them  with  defeat's  cold  chill. 

Thoug-h  twice  Columbia's  pulse  victorious   stirred, 
Ere  twilig-ht  could  her  sable  shield  prepare, 

A  long  derisive   "British  yell"   was  heard 
To  summon  forth  battalions  of  despair  ; 

When  it  was  only  victory  deferred 
To  even  lure  the   "Lion"  from  his  lair. 

With  muskets  clubbed  our  fathers  held  the  slope 
Which  midnig-ht  saw  them  arming-  for  the  fray, 
And  still  they  strove  to  keep  the  foe  at  bay  ; 

Beside  the  fence  they  saw  their  comrades  cope 

With  those  who  would  fore'er  the  star  of  hope 
Eclipse  behind  the  slavery  cloud  and  say:  — 
"Thus  Monarchy  subdues  her  rebel  prey." 

Although  the  tields  were  red  they  would  not    grope 
But  dared  the    "Glasgow,"  dared    the    lance,    the 
gun  ; 

And,  founders  of  a  nation,   boldly  sought 
On  Prospect's  brow  the  rest  so  nobly  won, 

While  other  lands  the  blessed  tidings  caught 
Of  daring  deeds  by   "mere  provincials"  done. 

And  marveled  at  the  skill  with  which  they  fought. 


4:. 


Jx'ISIAG    TIDE. 

Foam  flecked  the  fragrant  waves  rush  g-ayly  up 
The  creamy  beach,  or  sport  amid  the  reefs, 
With  song-s  triumphant,  on  and  on  they  come ; 
And  as  the  fair  horizon  bends  her  bow- 
To  guard  the  bay,  a  "liner"  dim  discerned 
Is  sig-naled  ere  she  softly  sinks  from  view 
Behind  the  purple  curtain  of  the  deep. 

Glance,  g^raceful  gull, — 
Throug-h  rifts  of  spray,   until  my  raptured  soul 
Baptized  with  joy  attunes  its  eag-er  harp 
To  Ocean's  mood     ...     so  redolent  with  life, 
And  hope,   and  destiny. 


44 


THE   GLORIOUS   FOCRTH. 

On    echo's    pinions     words      inspired     went    ring-ing- 

throngh  the  land, 
To  bid  the  colonies  as  one  for  Independence  stand, 
And   Adams,   Franklin,   Living-ston,   were    typical    of 

men 
Who  watched  the    march    prophetic    of    the    Jeiferso- 

nian  pen, 
Which  wrote:   "We  are  and    oug-ht    to    be"    and    lo  1 

they  seemed  to  see 
A   wreath  of  g-olden  g"lory  frame   the    mag'-ic    emblem 

Oh,  deep  the  joy  that  stirred  the  brave  as  Philadel- 
phia's bell 

Gave  forth  the  g-rateful  tiding'-s  in  a  fervent  "all  is 
well!" 

And  sternest  voices  quivered  while  the  laug-hter  born 

of  tears 
Disclosed  a  richer  cadence  in  the  quick,   triumphant 

cheers; 
Thoug-h    g-azing-    down    the    vale   of    time,   how    could 

they  then  behold 


45 


The  beauty  of  a  g-overninent  of  so  divine  a  mould? 
While  booming-  cannon  shook  the  shore   for    many    a 

dreary  day, 
Columbia  stood  majestic  'mid  the  ardor  of    the  fray; 
And  in  the  act  which  swept  aside  the  roj^alty  of  birth 
Beheld  a  matchless  king-dom,   and   the    emperor    was 

U'orf/i. 

No  more  covild  Monarchy  pretend  to  plant  an  iron  heel 

Upon  a  weary  people  or  the  last  forlorn  appeal; 

And  when  Britannia  rashly  strove  to  break  the  spell 
defeat. 

She  only  made  the  footing-  of  the  Union  more  com- 
plete. 

For,  b}'  Mount  Vernon's  sacred  shade,  on  Erie's 
broad  expanse, 

The  foe  again  was  banished  by  the  steady  cry: 
"Advance  I " 

And  laurel  wreathed  must  Perrj^'s  name  indellibly 
be  traced 

Upon  the  roll  of  honor  which  can  never  be  effaced. 

The  "Glorious    Fourth"   of    Sixtj^-three    saw  Vicks- 

burg-  doomed  to  fall, 
As  gallant  sons  of  Freedom  pressed  rebellion  to  the 

wall; 


46 


And  while  progression's  brilliant    lig-ht    illumes   the 

tender  sky 
The    heroes    of    the    present    must    the    present    need 

supply. 
What  happiness  to  meditate  on   how  the  nation  g-rew 
Till  swift  electric  charg-ers  dare  the  steeds  of  steam 

pursue; 
How  g-ood    it    is  to    feel,   to    know,   the    truth    of    this 

decree 
That  "God  made  all  men  equal"  and  beyond  denial 

"Free. " 


47 


THE   LORD    WILL    PROILDE. 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"  a  blackbird  sing-s, 
Foldings  to  rest  his  raptured  wing-s  ; 
List  to  the  song  of  the  drowsy  wind, — 
"The  Lord  will  provide  for  he  is  kind." 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"  a  farmer's  stay, 
When  storms,   like  foemen,   throng-  the  wa}'  ; 
"  Thoug-h  blig-ht  bewilder  the  crops  this  3"ear, 
The  Lord  will  provide,   g-ood  wife,  no  fear." 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"  a  widow's  moan 
Longing  for  joy  the  past  has  known ; 
The  weary  needle  forgets  its  woe 
As  "He  will  provide,"  she  whispers  low. 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"  a  sore  heart  sighed, 
"I  in  his  boundless  love  confide." 
A  step  came  staggering  to  the  door ; 
The  Lord  will  provide  forever  more. 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"  a  father  said. 
My  darlings  will  not  want  for  bread; 


48 


He  who  sees  the  wounded  sparrow  fall 
Will  surely  provide  for  one  and  all. 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"   sang-  Baby    Nell; 
How  sweetly  the  assurance  fell 
On  the  spirit  worn  with  g-rief  and  pain, 
Till  the  fainting-  faith  revived  ag-ain. 

"The  Lord  will  provide,  my  mamma,   dear, 
And  swift  she  kisses  the  healing-  tear 
From  the  g-rateful  mother's  pallid  cheek; 
"The  Lord  provides  for  the  poor  and  weak. 

"The  Lord  will  provide,"  an  orphan  wails, 
As  every  spring-  of  living-  fails  ; 
"The  Lord  will  provide,"  the  martyr  cries 
And,   lo  !  with  a  smiling-  face  he  dies. 


49 


JOY. 

I  soug-ht  for  it  everywhere 
In  the  circuit  of  earth  and  of  air  ; 
In  the  blessing-s  ambition  will  bring- 
In  beautiful,   bountiful  spring-. 
[  soug-ht  for  it  hig-h  and  low, 
Where  thoug-ht  of  a  mortal  may  g-o ; 
But  never  a  trace  could  I  find  ; 
I  could  not,   for  lo  I  I  was  blind. 


50 


THE   MISSING   PATH. 

Why  should  it  seem  so  pleasant,  the  path  we  missed 

to-day  ? 
With  flowers  fair  and  fragrant   that    ran    along-    the 

w  ay  ; 
The    sky     all     bright    above     it;    the    breezes    balmy 

sweet, 
Why  should  it  seem  so    pleasant,   the    path    we    fain 

would  meet. 

Why  should  it  seem  so  pleasant,   althoug-h    we  could 

not  see 
Its  living  lines  of  beauty  unfolding-  full  and  free? 
Well  we    knew  each    winding-  would    our  weary  feet 

invite, 
Gliding-  upward,  onward,   through  the  realms  of  life 

and  light. 

Why  should  it  seem  so  pleasant,  the  path  we  missed 

to-daJ^ 
Blooming-  fresh  and  fragrant   as    the    flowers    of    the 

May? 
The    sky     all    brig-ht    above    it ;    the    breezes    balmy 

sweet, 
Why  should  it  seem  so    pleasant,    the   path    we    fain 

would  meet? 


51 

LIFE. 

Life  is  like  the  ocean 

Broad  and  deep  ; 
Billows  of  emotion 

O'er  it  sweep ; 
We  must  battle  boldly 

With  the  tide, 
Lest  it  waft  us   coldh' 

Far  and  wide. 

Life  is  brig-ht  or  dreary 
Where  we   dwell ; 

Thoug-h  our  feet  are  weary 
All  is  well. 

Ever  bravely  pressing- 
On  our  way  ; 

Fairer  is  the  blessing- 
Day  by  day. 

Life  is  like  a  jewel 

In  the  rough  ; 
Cut  it,  be  not  cruel 

Just  enoug-h. 
Polish,  till  its  g-lory 

Full,  divine. 
Tells  a  noble  story ; 

Even  thine. 


52 


ANOTHER    DAY. 

Another  day,  another  day. 

How  swiftly  it  has  sailed  away. 
It  brought  us  moments,  —  precious  thinj 
Of  fairy  frame  and  willing-  wing-s  ; 

But  as  they  flee,   we  sigh  and  say. 

"Alas,  for  thee,   another  day!'" 

Another  day,  another  day 
Is  riding-  boldly   on  its  way  ; 
May  we  be  brave  to  do  and  bear, 
And  in  its  full  fruition  share  I 

For  sweet  it  is  when  we  can  say, 
"How  good  to  have  another  da^'. 


THE    FITVRE. 

The  work  of  the  future  I     How    much  it  may  mean 

To  you  and  to  me. 
'Mid  the  wide-sweeping-  meadows  of  truth  we  ma^v 

g-lean 
Unchalleng-ed.   unseen; 

As  blithe  as  a  bee. 

And  then  of  a  sudden,  on  some  g-olden  morn. 

The  world  shall  ag-ree 
Of  the  mother,   Ambition,   a  g-enius  is  born  ; 
Na\'l   be  not  forlorn, 

The  future  is  free. 


54 


no  X or  SAY  that  the  world  is  cold. 

Do  not  say  that  the  world  is  cold. 

The  world  is  a  g-lorious  place, 
And  friends  are  the  same  as  of  old 

For  each  has  a  g-enerous  face. 
It  is  only  ourselves  that  have  chang-ed. 

The  present  eclipses  the  past. 
And  we  are  too  early  estrang^ed 

From  the  love  which  endures  to  the  last. 

This  pride,   is  it  never  to  blame? 

Is  the  word  so  easy  to  speak 
Withheld,    while  we  barter  for  fame 

The  life  we  are  yearning-  to  seek? 
'Mid  the  desolate  tracks  of  the  soul. 

Full  oft  an  oasis  is  hid 
By  turning-  aside  from  the  goal. 

Or  the  too  sudden  droop  of  a  lid. 

Alas  I  as  we  g-o  on  alone, 

How  little  we  value  the  cost 
Of  sacrifice,   save  for  our  own, 

In  the  joy  another  has  lost. 


55 


Should  we  pause  to  consider  the  heart, 
And  fathom  the  depth  of  its  grief, 

No  power  could  keep  us  apart, 

Thoug-h  the  parting-  were  never  so  brief. 

It  is  ours  to  bask  if  we  will 

Within  the  bright  sunlight  of  truth  : 
To  sip  of  the  cup  w^hich   we  fill 

In  the  fair,  sweet  morning  of  youth. 
And  our  friends,   they   are  ever  our  own 

To  comfort,   to  cherish,   sustain  ; 
Though  often  the  care  is  unknown, 

'Tis  enough  if  we  banish  the  pain. 

Enough,   when  we  give  of  our  best, 

A  brother  is  cheered  on  his  way ; 
Enough,   if  the  weary  may  rest 

'Mid  the  fervid  heat  of  the  day. 
'T  is  enough  if  the  burden  we  bear 

But  eases  the  load  of  a  friend ; 
Enough,   if  the  burden  we  share. 

We  are  worthv  to  share  to  the  end. 


56 


A    SOiVC;    TO    THE   ZEPHYR. 

The  drowsy  waves  are  lulled  to  rest, 
Are  lulled  to  rest  on  ocean's  breast; 
On  ocean's  breast  that  gently  swells 
Like  Moore's  delig^htful  "Evening-  Bells. 

Those  bells  that  w^ith  bewitching-  chime 
Go  pealing-  down  the  vale  of  time  ; 
On  echo's  wing-  they  swiftly  spring-, 
And  then  athwart  the  world  they  ring-. 

Oh,   dainty  zephyr  sweep  the  deep 
And  bid  the  languid  pulses  leap  ; 
Oh,   sweep  the  deep  with  frag-rant  sighs, 
In  sweet  communion  with  the  skies. 

From  favored  reg-ions  far  beyond, 
We  catch  a  g-limmer  of  thy  wand  ; 
Thy  mag-ic  wand  whose  happy  charm 
Shall  every  foe  of  love  disarm. 

So  what  care  we  for  idle  fear, 
For  idle  fear  when  thou  art  near ; 
When  thou  art  near  to  waft  along- 
The  kindred  g-races — joy  and  song-. 


57 


Oh,   dainty  zephyr,   sweep  the  deep 
Where  dimpled  muses  softly  sleep ; 
Asleep  in  ocean's  arms  they  lie, 
Like  autumn  in  the  tranquil  sky. 

Fulfil  the  soul's  supreme  desire, 
To  liquid  notes  the  harp  inspire; 
To  music  sweet  as  wood  and  lake 
When  fair  Aurora  cries   "  Aw^ake  1  " 

Ay,   dainty  zephyr,  fan  the  sea 
And  bid  yon  schooner  dance  with  g-lee ; 
Yon  schooner  dance  with  grlee,  to  breast 
The  billows  in  their  vague   unrest. 

Come,   O  spirit  of  the    breeze, 
I  hear  a  whisper    in  the  trees  ; 
A  whisper  in  the  trees,   and  now 
I  feel  fair  fing^ers  on  my  brow. 

The  harp  to  sweeter  pitch  is  strung-. 
To  sweeter  pitch  the  chords  are  rung 
Till  liquid  sweetness  stirs  the  air, 
As  if  an  angel  floated  there. 

Floated  there  in  bliss  divine. 
In  bliss  too  holy  to  define; 
In  bliss  so  high  I  sigh,   I  faint, 
The  image  of  that  bliss  to  paint. 


58 


LAUGH   AND    BE   HArPY. 

Laug-h  and  be  happy,    laug-h    while  you  may, 
Laug-h   'mid  the  wild,   rushing-  storms  of  to-day 
Breasting-  the  current  when  downward  it  trend? 
Grand   is  the  battle  if  grandly  it  ends. 

Laugh  and  be  happj^  ;  laugh,    it  is  best, 
Sailing  the  wide  sweeping  sea  of  unrest; 
Though  the  dark  billows  are  running  so  high, 
Courage  I  my  brother,   the  haven  is  nigh. 

Laugh  and  be  happy,   laugh   while  you  may, 
Laugh   'mid  the  wild,   rushing  storms  of  to-day 
Faith,   like  a  beacon  light,   woos  us  along, 
Fill  the  glad  moments  with  laughter  and  song. 


59 


SPARE    THE    TREES. 

The  noble  trees  that  boldly  g-uard  the  brave 
In  pride  serene  ;  their  lofty  domes  are  sweet 
To  pavement-weary  eyes,   and  town-worn  feet 

Move  with  a  freer  step  as  o'er  the  g^rave 

Of  Ladd,  of  Whitney,  their  cool  banners  wave. 
How  passing-  fair  upon  the  thriving-  street 
The  soothing-  beauty  of  this  calm  retreat ; 

Awake,   O  city  !  and  thine  ancients  save. 

What  grace  the  tone  refined  of  sylvan  shade 

Sheds  on  the  busy  square  ;  the  Hall,  embossed 
With  fig-ures  quaint  by  Sol  himself  inlaid. 

Throw  down  the  pruning-  axe    and  count  the  cost; 
Ay,  spare  the  trees  ;  let  none  the  theme  evade, 

For  what  is  "time,"  when  such  as  these  are  lost. 


60 


THOUGHTS    OF    YOU. 

I  have  thoug-ht  of  you  many  times 

On  blissful  heig-hts  ;  in  the  vale  of  woe; 

Memory's  chorus  smoothly  chimes 

To  a  rhythmic  measure's  mellow   flow, 
The  joyful  echo  of  long-  ag-o. 

I   have  prayed  for  3^ou  o'er  and  o'er, 

'Mid  a  fleet  of  shadows  dark  and  drear 

Coasting-  close  by  the  silent  shore  ; 
My  grateful  spirit  is  ever  near. 
Unchecked  by  peril,   unawed  by  fear, 

I  have  trusted  you,  faithful,  true, 

Though  the  tempest's  wrathful   fingers  rend 
Hope's  tortured  sails  and  doubts  pursue. 

What  matter  whither  the  storm  may  trend? 

With  love  my  compass  and  j^ou  my  friend, 

I  have  wanted  3^ou  more  and  more 

While  threading  the  world's  delusive  maze; 

Deaf  to  its  ceaseless  rush  and  roar 

Through  a  dreary  medley  of  weary  days. 
We  still  could  journey  in  kindred    ways. 


61 


I  have  watched  for  you,   watched  in  vain. 
To  the  smiling-  future  cling-ing-  fast : 

The  even-time  of  grief,  of  pain 

Must  3neld  to  a  beautiful  dawn  at  last 
When  the  heavy  clouds  have  drifted  past. 


62 


TRCE,    AH.     TRUE,     THE    ROSES   EAIJ.. 


Companion  to  ''  Leaf  by  Leaf  the  Roses   Fa//." 

True,   ah,   true,   the  roses  fall, 

And  in  drops  the  spring-s  run  dry  ; 
Slowly,   surely,   past  recall. 

Summer  beauties  hasten  by. 
True,  the  roses  bloom  again 

And  the  spring-s  g-ush  forth  anew, 
Sing-ing-  sweeter  for  the   pain 

That  could  check  but  not  subdue. 

Ay,   we  know  how  deepest  g-loom 

Makes  the  spring-s  of  g-ladness  fail  ; 
But  when  in  their  richest  bloom 

Droop  the  roses,   wan  and  pale  ; 
Search  and  find  the  hope  that    strives. 

Poor,   downtrodden  g-erm  apart ; 
Nurture  kindly  till  it  thrives. 

Fairest  blossom  of  the   heart. 


63 


Dark  may  be  the  days  and  years 

Strewn  with  leaves  of  roses  dead  : 
Smile  we  brighter  for  the  tears 

When  the  northern  winds  have  fled. 
Sing-er  sweet,  the  thought  is  true, — 

Roses  fade  and  springs  run  dr^- ; 
But  there 's  nothing  old  or  new 

That  has  life  can  ever  die. 

Sweetest  hopes  must  needs  be  fed 

If  they  'd  spring-  to  life  anew. 
When  grief's  winter  shall  have  fled, 

Giving  place  to  sun  and  dew  ; 
When  earth  withers  like  the  rose, 

All  its  treasure  leaves  closed  up. 
Then  that  other  blossom   blows 

Life  immortal   in  its  cup. 


64 


LAUGH    ON. 

Laugh  on  1  happy  heart, 
For  the  sunshine  part 

Is  sweetest  to  play  ; 

It  works  in  a  way, 
The  acme  of  art. 

With  a  merry  start 
Let  it  onward  dart ; 

Through  the  night,  the  day 
Laugh  on. 

In  the  busy  mart, 
The  worry  and  smart ; 
Of  living  be  gay 
And  banish  dismay  ; 
Laugh  on  I  happy  heart, 
Laugh  on. 


65 


THE    WORKER    BEE. 

Through  the  fields  of  nodding  clover 
Comes  a  dainty  little  rover ; 
On  from  bud  to  blossom  hasting-, 
Not  the  smallest  moment  wasting. 
Ever  g-ay  and  uncomplaining, 
Nature's  honeyed  chalice  draining ; 
Merry  little  worker  bee, 
Ev'ry  day  a  jubilee. 

Past  the  "red-cap's"  fragrant  bower 
To  a  modest  sister  flower, 
In  whose  tender  heart  reposes 
All  the  sweets  of  all  the  roses : 
Then  with  golden  trophies   laden 
Homeward  hums  this  busy  maiden  ; 
Merry  little  worker  bee, 
Ev'ry  day  a  jubilee. 


66 


THE    COM  FOR  TKR. 

He  seeketh  the  rich  and  the  poor, 

The  weary,   long-  suffering-,   sad  ; 
He  g-iveth  them  streng-th  to  endure, 

He  maketh  them  g-lad. 
Out  of  the  midst  of  their  sorrow 

He  bringeth  them  peace ; 
Ruleth  to-day   as  to-morrow, 

When  sorrow  shall  cease. 


67 


THI-:  cLorns  caxxot  last  forever. 

The  clouds  cannot  last  forever,   my  friend, 

To-day  or  to-morrow  the  sun  must  shine  ; 
The  heaviest  showers  must  have  an   end, 

For  that  is  the  Will  Divine. 
Our  hearts  are  heavy  when  clouds  hang-  low 

And  tempests  of  sorrow  sweep  the  land  ; 
But  sooner  or  later  they  all  must  g^o, 

And  then   we  shall  understand. 


68 


THE   HEART    THAT  IS  HARD    TO    WIN, 

Is  there  a  heart  that  is  hard  to  win, 

A  heart  to  itself  untrue? 
Never  is  heart  so  wrapped  in  sin 

That  the  lig^ht  cannot  creep  throug-h. 
Never  are  feet  so  slow  to  climb 

As  the  feet  too  softly  shod ; 
Never  is  life  so  full,  sublime, 

As  the  life  that  leads  to  God. 


69 


SLEEP,    MINSTREL,    SLEEP! 


Celia   Thaxter. 


Sleep,   minstrel,   sleep  1 
The  island  home  is  lonely,   dear,  to-daj', 
And  moaning  billows  ceaseless  vig-il  keep. 

Sleep,  minstrel,  sleep ! 

Sleep,   minstrel,   sleep  I 
A  hallowed  light  illuminates  the  bay. 
Where  thy  sweet  spirit  loved  to    hymn  the  deep. 

Sleep,  minstrel,  sleep  1 

Sleep,  minstrel,  sleep ! 
Thoug-h  generations  rise  and  pass  away, 
Thy  songs  sublime  shall  still  the  silence  sweep. 

Sleep,  minstrel,  sleep  I 

Sleep,  minstrel,   sleep! 
Beside  thy  couch  eternal  fountains  play 
And  angels  hover  near  thee: — yet,   we  weep. 

Sleep,  minstrel,   sleep  I 


70 


THE   STORM. 

Off  fair  Nahant  the  g-ulls  are  sweeping-  low, 
And  waves  beat  wild  ag-ainst  the  rugged  wall 
By  yonder  point.     Afar,   twin  schooners  crawl 

Close  reefed  ;  they  well  may  shun  the  ruddy  glow 

That  climbs  the  West,   but  boldly  face  the  foe. 
From  boat  to  boat  resounds  a  warning  call 
As  shore  and  ocean  shiver  'neath   a  pall 

Flame  lit.      When,   tempest-tortured,  to  and  fro 

We  flee  before  the  gale,   while  lances  flash 

From  passion-freighted  clouds ;  to  hope   we  cling. 

Though  thought  runs  riot.      Storm    battalions  clash  I 
Can  sail  survive?     Ay,   scorn  the  cruel  sting! 

One  effort  more,  just  one  more  fearless  dash  — 
And  white-browed  breakers  with  rejoicings  ring. 


71 


'MID    ETERNAL    SNOW. 

Alone,   amid  the  wild  secluded  heig-hts 

Where  Winter  holds  his  solitary  sway, 

We  wrestle  with  the  fury  of  the  storm. 

The  savage  sleet  and  passion-laden  g-ale ; 

A  sleeping"  avalanche  beneath  our  feet 

And  ice-capped  g-iants  menacing-  the  way. 

Behold,  athwart  the  ebon  brow  of  nig-ht 

The  "fire-zoned  orb"  with  beauteous  lig"ht  illume? 

A  distant  mountain's  irridescent  rim  ; 

And  morning-  flits  with  swift,   impetuous  step 

Adown  the  snow-clad  slopes,  benig-nant.  free. 

Below  us  lie  the  valleys,  urns  of  g-loom. 

Concealing-  nature's  precious  treasure  trove. 

From  thence  a  hundred  peaks 
Proclaim  the  royal  conquest  of  the    dawn  ; 
All  rosy-robed  and  g-olden-crowned  they  stand. 
Their  rich  prismatic  splendors  softly  limned 
Upon  the  dappled  curtain  of  the  sky. 


72 


OUR   DEAR    ONES. 

How  tender  we  are  of  our  dear  ones,  we  never  can 
smile  at  their  pain  ; 

We  never  can  laug-h  when  they  sorrow,  we  never 
can  love  them  in  vain. 

How  careful  we  are  of  our  dear  ones,  what  sympa- 
thy wakes  at  a  g-lance  ; 

What  happiness  waits  on  their  presence  to  ev'ry 
new  blessing-  enhance. 

How    patient    we    are    with    our    dear    ones,    thoug-h 

hearts  may  with  ang-uish  be   wrung-; 
We  ever  are  one  with  their    sadness,  no  matter  how 

timid  or  young-. 
How  g-entle  we  are  with  our  dear  ones  when  swiftly 

the  tide  rushes   by  ; 
How  ready  to  share    in  each    trouble,   how  ready    to 

echo  each   sig-h. 

How  loving-    we  are    with    our    dear   ones,   ambitious 

to  lighten  the  cross  ; 
More  anxious    to  carry  the   burden,   the    g-reater    the 

pain  and  the  loss. 


How     pleasant    we    are     with    our    dear    ones,    how 

g-ladly    with    them    we    rejoice ; 
How  eag-er  to  follow  their    footsteps,  from  duty,   and 

pleasure,   and    choice. 


74 


EVEN-TIDE. 

What  ruddy  splendor  iioods  the  molten  west! 
The  quiet  hills  with  matchless  brilliance  burn 
Like  richest  jewels  set  in  liquid  gold, 
Fit  diadem  to  crown  the  brow  of  day. 
Throug-h  tranquil  fields  in  living-  g-lory  lapped 
The  river  moves  triumphant  to  the  sea; 
Fair  from  the  mellow  distance,  mist  defined. 
Stand  forth  sedate,  the  town's  own   peaceful   spires. 
Look  up!  thou  weary  one,  be  not  cast  down. 
For  sweet  the  messag-e  of  the  even-tide. 


/C) 


PRESS    ON. 

Press    on!      Whj^    shouldst    thou    falter?      Forward, 
soul  I 
When,  tempest-like,  the  conflict  surges  past; 
Thoug-h  o'er  thee  seething-  waves  of  trouble  roll, 
They  cannot  last. 

Press  on  1  nor  faint,  nor  fail,   whate'er  betide ; 

May  each  successive  blow  be  bravely  met, 
For  hope  shall  cleave  the  closer  to  thy  side 
And  save  thee  yet. 

Press    on  1      Why    shouldst    thou     falter?     Forward, 
soul  I 
What  matter  thoug-h  the  waj'  is  rovig-h  and   wild? 
If  thou  canst  keep  thine  ej^e  upon  the  g-oal, 
Be  reconciled. 

Press  on  I  the  tierce  assailant  bcjldly  faced 

Is  half  subdued,   and  he  who   will  may  climb  ; 
That  life  upon  a  g-ood  foundation  based 
Has  conquered  Time. 


